http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/15/us/area-51-documents/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Uh huh, right...

"According to these reports, which include a map of the base's location in Nevada, Area 51 was merely a testing site for the government's U-2 and OXCART aerial surveillance programs. The U-2 program conducted surveillance around the world, including over the Soviet Union during the Cold War."

If that's all it was why didn't they say so before this?

They have simply moved all the 'good stuff' to Area 52.

or....hanger 18 at WP